Himalayan barberry, Raisin barberry
Berberis asiatica

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

A spiny shrub. It grows about 3 m high. The leaves have short stalks and occur in clusters. The leaves are 1.5-9 cm long by 0.5-2 cm wide. They are oval and leathery. There are spines around the edge. The flowers are yellow. The fruit is fleshy or pulpy and blue-black when ripe. The fruit are 8 mm across.

There are about 450-500 Berberis species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. Plants grow in Nepal from 600-2500 m altitude. They occur on exposed, rocky hillsides. It can grow in sun or shade. They are hardy.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh or pickled. They are also dried and used like raisins. Alcohol is distilled from the ripe fruit. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. The flowers are eaten raw.

The fruit are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

In Sikkim fruit are available Sep. to Oct.

Its other names

Local names

Aul chotra, Barberry, Choto, Chotto, Chutro, Daruharidra, Kanchan, Kerba, Perpak, Kilmora, Kimando, Kimor, Kingora, Kingore, Kirmada, Kissu, Kyerkar, Kyerwa, Marpyashi, Musa lede, Pichyar, Pirima, Rasanjan, Rasaunt, Skyer pa, Tge, Thakti-layem, Toksong

Synonyms

Berberis glaucocarpa;